Guatemala Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 regional agreement. Guatemala has the most dramatic Mayan heritage in Central America.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Guatemala without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for US citizens for up to 90 days. This 90-day allowance is shared across the CA-4 countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua). Present your valid US passport on arrival at La Aurora International Airport (Guatemala City) or at land border crossings. Note: crossing from Mexico into Guatemala at the popular La Mesilla/Ciudad Cuauhtemoc border is common for travelers driving or busing through Central America.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Return Travel Recommended
Return or onward flight ticket — recommended
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and malaria prophylaxis for rural areas recommended.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in Guatemala. Avoid displaying valuables, use authorized taxis or Uber, and don't walk alone at night in cities. Tourist areas like Antigua and Atitlán are generally safer. Avoid travel to certain border areas.
Money & Costs
Currency
Q Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $35 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $200+
Tipping
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Round up for taxis. Tip tour guides $5-10 per person per day.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
110 (police), 122/123 (fire), 125 (Red Cross ambulance)
Getting There
Main Airports
Guatemala City (GUA) · Flores (FRS)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the dry season with pleasant temperatures and clear skies ideal for exploring Mayan ruins and hiking volcanoes. May to October is rainy but brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists. The highlands stay cooler year-round.
Cultural Notes
Guatemala has the largest Maya population in Central America, with over 20 distinct Maya groups. Traditional dress is still worn daily in many communities. Ask permission before photographing people in traditional clothing. Respect sacred sites.
Insider Tips
Negotiate shuttle prices in advance - tourist shuttles are the safest transport option. Learn basic Spanish as English is limited. ATMs dispense both Quetzales and US dollars. Don't photograph people without permission, especially indigenous communities.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Guatemala: What You Need to Know
Guatemala offers visa-free access to US citizens and is the most culturally rich country in Central America , home to the most extensive Mayan ruins (Tikal, one of the greatest pre-Columbian cities), the most active indigenous Mayan culture (12+ distinct Mayan linguistic groups, women who still weave and wear traditional huipil textiles), spectacular volcanic landscapes (Lake Atitlan surrounded by three volcanoes), and the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua. Guatemala is part of the CA-4 agreement, meaning a combined 90-day allowance covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua collectively.
How to Get There
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Tulum, Bacalar) is accessible overland from Guatemala's northern Peten region. The Belize border is 2 hours from Tikal , accessible for daytrips or onward travel. El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua are covered by the same CA-4 visa allowance. Semuc Champey (limestone bridges over turquoise pools) is accessible from Coban in central Guatemala.
Money & Banking
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). The quetzal trades at approximately 7.8 GTQ per USD. Guatemala is affordable , budget accommodation in Antigua from $15-40 USD/night; local meals (comida tipica) from $3-8 USD. Antigua has a higher cost of living than Guatemala City or Lake Atitlan due to its expat and long-term traveler community. Card acceptance is decent in Guatemala City and Antigua; cash essential elsewhere.
Practical Tips
Antigua is Guatemala's jewel , a perfectly preserved 16th-century Spanish colonial capital (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by three active volcanoes. Hiking Volcan Acatenango (overnight hike with views of Volcan de Fuego erupting at night) is one of Central America's great adventure experiences. Lake Atitlan is arguably the most beautiful lake in the world , surrounded by three volcanoes and 12 indigenous Mayan villages, each with distinct textile traditions. Tikal in the Peten jungle is a massive Mayan city rising above the forest canopy , sunrise at Tikal is magical. Chichicastenango market (Thursday and Sunday) is one of the largest and most colorful indigenous markets in the Americas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Guatemala?
No. US passport holders can visit Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 regional agreement. This 90 days is shared with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
What is the best way to visit Tikal from the US?
Fly to Guatemala City (GUA) and take a connecting flight to Flores (the gateway to Tikal, 30 minutes by air) or a direct 8-hour bus ride. From Flores, Tikal is 1 hour by bus or taxi. Book accommodation either in Tikal itself (to see sunrise) or in Flores/El Remate on Lake Peten Itza.
Is Guatemala safe for US tourists?
Guatemala City has elevated crime and should be navigated carefully. Tourist areas (Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal) are generally safe. The US State Department rates Guatemala at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Avoid travel at night in certain areas. Research specific regional advisories before travel.